Linux Installation—Tips and Tricks

This appendix explains some tips and tricks that you can use while installing Linux. This is specifically meant for Prime Central for HCS.

Setting Up the Correct Date on a New Linux VM

If you are trying to install on to a new Linux VM, follow the tips mentioned below:

Step 1 If the Network Time Protocol is not available on the kernel, set the time manually. Run the following command:

date

Note If date is not set, you will encounter a certificate error while trying to register.

Step 2 Register with Red Hat

rhn_register

Step 3 Install NTP using the yum method.

yum install ntp

Turning Off the Firewall Permanently

Step 1 Log in as a root user.

Step 2 Run the following commands:

chkconfig iptables off

chkconfig ntpd on

service iptables save

Caution For security reasons, we recommend that you not turn the firewall permanently. Note that any time you rerun the install script, the firewall will automatically be re-enabled and the necessary ports reopened..

Changing the Operating System User Password

You can change the password of your operating system login by entering the command password. You will be prompted for the old and the new passwords when you run this command. Ensure that you provide a valid password. Upon successful completion, the command will complete with an exit code of 0. An exit code of 1 indicates an error.

Changing the Hostname Permanently on a Red Hat-Based System

When the system boots up, RedHat-based systems use the file /etc/sysconfig/network to read the saved hostname. This is set using the init script /etc/rc.d/rc.sysinit.

To change the hostname, edit the file/etc/sysconfig/network and enter the appropriate name using the HOSTNAME variable.

Note The hostname must not be changed before you complete the installation of Prime Central for HCS. If you attempt to change the hostname before installation is complete, you run the risk of having to perform a reinstallation.

Setting Up a Static IP Address Using the Command Line

Step 1 Log into the staging media VM as root user.

Step 2 Change directory to /etc/sysconfig/networking/devices.

cd /etc/sysconfig/networking/devices

Step 3 List all available devices. Run the following command:

ls

Step 4 Find the configuration file corresponding to the NIC for which you want to set a static IP and edit it.

vi ifcfg-eth0

Step 5 Now set the parameters according to your settings (parameters to edit are: BOOTPROTO, PEERDNS, NETMASK, IPADDR, GATEWAY).